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How to Complain to Cinch
Cinch says you can complain through an online complaints form, by email to its Complaints Team or by post. It says it aims to resolve complaints within three business days and otherwise issues a Final Response Letter explaining the decision and next steps.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Complaining to Cinch
How to Complain
Cinch says you can complain through an online complaints form, by email to its Complaints Team or by post. It says it aims to resolve complaints within three business days and otherwise issues a Final Response Letter explaining the decision and next steps. source
Buying from a Dealer
Quality and Description
Dealer sales: goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described (Consumer Rights Act 2015). If a car fails these tests you have a short-term right to reject and get a full refund within 30 days, counted from when ownership, delivery and any installation are complete (s.22). source
After 30 days
After the 30 days you can ask for a free repair or replacement; the trader normally gets one attempt, after which you can claim a price reduction or the final right to reject (s.19). source
First 6 Months
For the first 6 months a fault is presumed to have been there at delivery unless the dealer proves otherwise; after 6 months you must show the fault was already present (s.19(15)). source
Deductions for Use
For motor vehicles the dealer may reduce a final-right-to-reject refund by a deduction for your use, including in the first 6 months, which is the exception to the general no-deduction rule in s.24. source
Buying Online or by Phone
If you buy a car at a distance (online or by phone) from a dealer you generally have a 14-day cancellation right under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, starting the day after you receive the goods; you have a further 14 days to return it. There is no automatic right in a showroom purchase. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 30 daysShort-term right to reject a faulty car bought from a dealer30 days beginning the day after ownership, delivery and any installation are complete
- 6 monthsFaults presumed present at deliveryFirst 6 months from delivery
- 14 daysCancelling an online or phone purchase from a dealer14 days to notify from the day after delivery, then 14 days to return the goods
- 6 yearsLegal action for goods problems in England and WalesGenerally up to 6 years after you paid (Citizens Advice; 5 years in Scotland)
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Gather your evidence: order, account or booking number, dates, receipts, screenshots, emails and notes of calls.
Step 2 of 5
Complain to Cinch in writing using the route below, and ask for a complaint reference. Say what went wrong, what you want, and by when (14 days is reasonable). Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 5
Keep a record of every contact: dates, names and reference numbers. Use email or a form where you can, so you have proof.
Step 4 of 5
If you are not getting anywhere, ask for a final response in writing.
Step 5 of 5
If it is still not put right, ask your card provider about Section 75 or chargeback, or get free advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies. Most are free; court claims have fees.
Cinch Complaints
Always start here, in writing.
Ask About an ADR Scheme
We could not confirm a general ombudsman or ADR scheme for Cinch from its own pages. If it cannot settle your complaint, ask it in writing which approved ADR provider it uses.
Your Card Provider
If you paid by card, Section 75 (credit card) or chargeback (debit card) may help.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice. It can pass a report to Trading Standards.
Small Claims Court
A last resort if nothing else works. Citizens Advice explains when it is worth it.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Cinch says vehicle complaints can be referred to South Yorkshire Trading Standards Services and credit-broking complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service, and that it will abide by their final decisions. It does not name The Motor Ombudsman on this page.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a car bought from a dealer must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. The same right to reject within 30 days and the 6-month presumption of a fault being there from the start are set out for goods generally.
Keep the advert, invoice, service history and every message. Report faults in writing straight away and keep copies of repair invoices.
Garage work must be done with reasonable care and skill and within a reasonable time. You can ask for it to be put right or for a price reduction.
Consumer Protection UK is independent and is not connected to Cinch. This guide uses information published by Cinch and the schemes named here. All product names, logos and brands are property of their respective owners.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.

Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 12 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- help.cinch.co.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/37945749437597-How-do-I-make-a-complaint Checked 4 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/22 Checked 12 October 2026
- businesscompanion.info/focus/car-traders-and-consumer-law/part-2-consumer-rights-act Checked 12 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/19 Checked 12 October 2026
- legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/section/24 Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/changed-your-mind/changing-your-mind-about-something-youve-bought Checked 12 October 2026